The incident occurred at approximately 10:14 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018, as a 2003 Toyota Avalon operated by a 19-year-old male was traveling northbound on US RT 13 in the left lane. For unknown reasons, the Avalon gradually drifted into the right lane of travel, and then off of the east edge of the roadway where it traveled through a grassy area. The Avalon struck a small rise in the ground which subsequently sent the vehicle airborne into an area of thick brush and trees. The vehicle’s front end struck a large tree before coming to its final resting place.

The 19-year-old operator identified as Adrian Velazquez from Kearney, NJ sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was properly restrained and impairment is not considered a factor on his behalf at this time. The front seat passenger, a 19-year-old male from Newark, NJ was properly restrained and removed from the scene by EMS. He was transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The left rear passenger, identified as 19-year-old Alfahtee Heuy from Hillside, NJ was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The right rear passenger, a 20-year-old male from Howell, NJ was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected, landing a short distance away from the vehicle for a final resting place. He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital where he has been admitted in critical condition.

USRT 13 northbound, south of Hamburg Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.